Dhamma Jataka: The Battle Between Right and Wrong

In this Jataka, the Bodhisatta is born as a god in heaven, named Dhamma (meaning “Right”). On holy days, after his evening meal, he would ride in his celestial chariot accompanied by a multitude of nymphs. Together, they would travel around the world, spreading the message of righteousness. The Bodhisatta encouraged people to do good deeds, such as taking care of their parents, and to avoid evil actions, like killing living creatures. His mission was to promote virtue and goodness.

Opposing him was another god named Adhamma (meaning “Wrong”), who spread the message of evil, promoting actions like killing and other immoral deeds.

One day, as the two gods rode their chariots in the heavens, their paths crossed. The Bodhisatta, in his celestial chariot, proclaimed his virtue and told Adhamma to move aside and give him the right of way. Adhamma, however, refused to yield. The Bodhisatta, in his righteous anger, called on the powers of Dhamma to assert his superiority. As a result, Adhamma’s chariot plunged head-first toward the earth, which opened up to swallow him, sending him to the deepest hell.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

In a later birth, Adhamma is identified as Devadatta, a disciple of the Buddha who turned against him and became his nemesis. Devadatta tried to kill the Buddha three times, once by sending a rampaging elephant to attack him, and on other occasions, through assassination attempts. In response to Devadatta’s wickedness and rebellious nature, the Buddha’s disciples discussed how Devadatta’s evil actions would eventually lead to his downfall, just as Adhamma was cast into hell in the past for challenging the Bodhisatta’s moral authority.

The Buddha, hearing their conversation, recounted this story to them to show that Devadatta’s fate was not a new one. He had a long history of rebellion against righteousness, both in his past lives and in his current one. Just as Adhamma had been cast into hell for his evil ways, Devadatta’s future would be similarly grim.

Moral:

The Dhamma Jataka illustrates the eternal battle between right and wrong, virtue and evil. The Bodhisatta, embodying righteousness, confronts Adhamma, who represents the forces of sin and immorality. The story teaches that righteousness will always prevail in the end, while evil, despite its temporary triumphs, will eventually lead to destruction and hell.

The tale also underscores the consequences of defying moral authority and virtue, as seen in Adhamma’s (and later Devadatta’s) fate. The Buddha uses the story to remind his followers that those who oppose righteousness and harm others will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, just as Devadatta had in his previous lives.

The moral authority of the Buddha, and by extension the power of Dhamma, is an overarching force that guides the universe. Even when evil seems to be flourishing, it cannot ultimately stand against the right path, as virtue and moral conduct lead to ultimate peace and salvation.